Abstract: An in vivo method and apparatus for detecting an analyte in an individual. A sensor that includes a fluorescence reagent is placed in communication with the body fluids of the individual suspected of containing the analyte in such a way that once in place said sensor does not exit the skin of the individual. The sensor is configured to retain the fluorescence reagent while allowing analyte to diffuse into and out of said sensor. The sensor is illuminated transdermally, and the fluorescence from the fluorescence reagent associated with the presence of the analyte is measured.

Abstract: A method for quantifying glucose concentration in blood, body fluids, and other samples within, below and above the normal physiological range, which relies on non-radiative fluorescence resonance energy transfer, as well as devices useful in quantifying blood glucose concentration using the present method.

Abstract: A method of assaying, detecting, monitoring, and influencing in vitro and in vivo activity of glycosyltransferase and sugar nucleotides which are analogs of the naturally-occurring sugar nucleotides for which the glycosyltransferases are specific. These sugar nucleotide analogs include those labeled with a fluorogenic moiety at the 2' or 3' position of the ribose or at another location (e.g., on a constituent phosphate or in the nucleotide backbone), such as the UDP-galactose analog, 2'(or 3')-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-5'-uridine diphosphate galactose (TUG). A highly specific assay for soluble glycosyltransferase has been developed which utilizes the fluorogenic sugar-nucleotide analogs. These assays rely on changes in spectral properties resulting from specific binding events of the sugar nucleotide analog and the glycosyltransferase. Assays of this invention do not rely on the use of radio-isotopes and can be used to assess glycosyltransferase activity in living cells.